The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Our Local Communities - By Lipika Devara
Mental health has long been stigmatized, overlooked, and regarded by some as “not a real issue.” However, the consequences of neglecting mental health are alarmingly clear in rising suicide rates among students and the working class, and a notable increase in stress, anxiety, and depression across all age groups. In class with my neuroscience professor, Dr. Van Miller, we learned that chronic stress and the continuous release of cortisol can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease—and even death.
Addressing this issue means tackling the root causes: a lack of awareness, education, and integration of mental health into our everyday lives. Recognizing that mental health is as essential as physical health is a vital first step toward improving our well-being and fostering a healthy mindset.
Hi, I’m Lipika Devara, and I’m the co-founder of A.W.E (Addressing Wellness and Equity), a nonprofit dedicated to raising mental health awareness and equipping individuals to begin their personal mental health journeys. A.W.E’s programs span all age groups, from young children to older adults, because we believe it’s never too early—or too late—to understand and nurture one’s mental health.
Recently, in collaboration with SEWA, we organized a mental health awareness event specifically tailored to the South Asian community. This event aimed to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and emphasize the importance of well-being in a culturally engaging way. Through interactive and enjoyable activities, we provided resources to individuals of all ages—especially parents and children—encouraging open, healthy communication about mental health in families.
We’re excited to make this an annual event, broadening our focus next year to include Native American, Latino, Black, and other communities. Our mission is to reach a larger, more diverse audience and create lasting impact.
The event featured several interactive activity stations and guest speakers. Participants crafted fidget toy origami to manage anxiety, wrote letters to their future selves for self-reflection, and attended sessions on managing academic stress, where students shared personal experiences and explored coping strategies. A key highlight was the moderated youth discussion, where participants of all ages—from high school students to adults—discussed major stressors affecting young Indian students, the challenges in communicating about mental health, and how community organizations like SEWA and Yoga Bharati can provide meaningful support.
To all the young people and adults who want to make a difference, we encourage you to explore various mental health initiatives. Support ongoing projects, participate in local activities, or start your own creative ideas. It’s essential to prioritize mental health and recognize that it’s integral to overall well-being.
If you’d like to support A.W.E’s mental health initiatives, please follow and support us on social media: @a.w.e_ngo. Together, we can make mental health a priority for all.
